COVID-19 School Clusters In Central Java Appear, Task Force Ensures Face-to-face Learning Evaluation Continues

COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito (Photo: BNPB dock)

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 cluster reappeared in a number of areas in Central Java while carrying out face-to-face learning (PTM) at this time. In response, the Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, ensured that PTM evaluations would continue to be carried out.

"So far, evaluation of the implementation of PTM continues to be carried out on an ongoing basis," said Wiku to VOI, Thursday, September 23.

Wiku said that the government supervises and ensures that every education unit follows the limited PTM mechanism which is currently still running. If a case is found, the school must close the PTM activities.

"The government is working hard to ensure that every educational institution responsively closes activities if positive cases are found, traces, or reconstructs learning mechanisms according to the guidelines given by the Ministry of Education and Culture," he explained.

For information, the public has just been surprised by the information that 90 students of SMPN 4 Mrebet Purbalingga have tested positive for COVID-19. Now the status of 61 students of SMPN 3 Mrebet has appeared again who are also reactive in referring to the results of the antigen test.

The Purbalingga Regency Government immediately suspended limited face-to-face learning activities (PTM) to conduct further evaluations regarding the readiness of health protocols.

"For the time being, the entire implementation of limited PTM is suspended until further evaluation is carried out," said the Head of the Purbalingga Regency Health Office, Hanung Wikantono.

Following that, PTM at a Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) in Rengging Village, Pecangaan District, Jepara Regency, Central Java, was finally stopped after cases emerged of 25 students and three teachers tested positive for COVID-19.

"Currently, teaching and learning activities at the MTs are closed due to the case," said Jepara Regency COVID-19 Acceleration and Handling Task Force Spokesperson Muh Ali.

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo instructed that tracing or contact tracing be carried out regarding the findings of face-to-face learning clusters (PTM) in several regions.

"I ask for tracking, to find out where the cause came from, what kind of entry so that it can be handled immediately," said Ganjar in Semarang.